Joe

Certified Tutor

I have a Masters of Science in Applied Physics and a Bachelors of Science in Physics from Northern Illinois University and The Ohio State University, respectively. I have been tutoring for 12 years in a range of mathematics and science courses from algebra to AP Calculus and physics to astronomy, respectively. I tutored math at a private tutoring center where I became very adept at helping students of varying ages, approximately 5 to 18.

While earning my masters degree I taught introductory physics laboratories for two years. I have also been a math instructor at a second private learning center where I learned techniques in helping students not only academically but boost their confidence, enhance their strengths and recognize as well as work on their weaknesses. When tutoring, I teach students how ask the appropriate questions to help them solve their problems. I start by asking leading questions and get the student to reason through the problem rather than simply showing them or having them memorize procedures. This method gets them to be an active participate and not merely an "audience of one." I believe that each student is unique and I tailor my methods of teaching to fit their needs. Many problems can be explained in multiple ways, different ways benefiting different students. For example, some students work better visually and some through auditory means.

I enjoy helping students learn because I like sharing the knowledge I spent considerable time acquiring with others and helping make it theirs, too. I particularly enjoy tutoring mathematics and science to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. My favorite subjects to teach are physics and astronomy. Outside of academia, amateur astronomy, along with grilling and watching and reading science fiction are my hobbies.